Canada’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a major shift. The country is living through what many are labeling a “brain gain” moment. Hundreds of American doctors are joining the medical exodus to Canada. They’re motivated by the chaos plaguing the US healthcare sector. Canada Healthwatch, the mouthpiece of Canada’s healthcare sector, has observed this outward migration. It’s committed to delivering the best possible updates and useful insights to its constituency of readers. Nick Tsergas, the editor of Canada Healthwatch, wrote to goad the government into action and was soon proved right. They’re hoping to accelerate the integration of healthcare providers.
The article draws attention to the obstacles U.S. physicians face while attempting to come to this country. It further calls for the creation of an international, permanent immigration pathway for people fleeing the disorder created by the U.S. According to Health Canada, approximately 6 million Canadians do not have a family doctor—which constitutes an urgent shortage. According to them, that means that the country is at least 23,000 family doctors short.
The Call for Action
Canada Healthwatch is calling on the federal government to move as soon as possible. Further, they continue to call for a specialized immigration pathway for physicians. This new project is designed to address the deepening plight of U.S. doctors fleeing north of the border. It further answers the fast-growing need for additional healthcare workers within the country.
Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasized the importance of this timely opportunity:
“We don’t want to miss this window.”
The urgency is also underscored by Alex Munter, the CMA’s recently installed CEO, who said,
“The immigration system is not fast, and it’s not efficient.”
The release calls for more streamlined processes and complete exemptions on Labour Market Impact Assessments for physician positions. Without these changes, Canada will continue to push skilled professionals who could become fruitful contributors to our economy and society away.
Immigration Hurdles for Physicians
Immigrating to Canada is difficult in ways that stretch far past bureaucratic hurdles. These barriers create an insurmountable barrier to practice for most U.S.-trained physicians hoping to practice in Canada. As one of many anonymous physicians venting their frustrations about the process, here’s what one had to say about it,
“To get a SIN you need a bank account. But even after I got one I couldn’t get my SIN. I handled it. But it was just dumb.”
Working through this experience underscores the complicated and confusing process that would-be immigrants have to go through. Canada Healthwatch further emphasizes that addressing these issues is especially important if Canada hopes to attract and retain foreign-trained physicians.
Given these challenges, Canada Healthwatch calls on the federal government to work with provincial governments to fast track the immigration of foreign-trained healthcare professionals. Dr. Joss Reimer reiterated this sentiment, urging governmental support:
“We need the federal government to be helping from the immigration side.”
Addressing the Shortage of Family Physicians
Canada has been grappling with a shortage of family physicians for many years. Alongside the aging population, an incredibly recent influx of U.S. doctors provides a new opportunity to relieve this pressure. The Health Canada report shines a light on the 23,000 deficit. This underscores an ongoing problem within our healthcare system that requires urgent action.
Canada Healthwatch has covered many facets of this shortage, including recent investigations into Express Scripts Canada. Advocates argue that the tactics used by this pharmacy benefit manager limit patient choice and put independent pharmacies out of business. These three ingredients have combined to create a nationwide crisis in access to healthcare services.
Furthermore, the publication has discussed the implications of Alberta’s shift towards privatization and how it impacts Canada’s commitment to universal healthcare. Françoise Baylis, a prominent bioethicist, emphasized the need for federal enforcement of the Canada Health Act during these times of transition:
“This is a moment to stand up for what’s right.”
A Future for Healthcare in Canada
As Canada grapples with its response to these unprecedented challenges, it stands at a historic crossroads that will determine the future of the nation’s healthcare landscape. Future impacts As with any new legislation, U.S. physicians’ potential contributions will be key in filling gaps and improving patient care both at home and abroad. Without clear guidance and strong action from the federal government, those opportunities will be lost.
During the panel, Liberal Leader Mark Carney pointed out the very different natures of the Canadian and American healthcare systems when he said,
“In America, healthcare is a big business. In Canada, it is a right.”
This perspective reinforces the notion that Canada’s approach to healthcare must prioritize access and equity as it welcomes new physicians into its fold.
